From Nefertiti to Helen of Troy, history is filled with legendary women celebrated for their beauty, and China shares this rich tradition. Over the millennia of Chinese history, a group of women dubbed the “Four Beauties of China” caught the attention of ruling kings and emperors, and their stories have since become popular legends. Their histories have intertwined so deeply with their myths that their stories have undeniably drifted from reality, resembling fables more than factual accounts.
However, that does not diminish their importance in modern imagination, so let’s meet the Four Beauties of ancient China. Xi Shi (around 7th-6th BC) Legend says Xi Shi’s beauty was so profound that fish forgot how to swim upon seeing her reflection in a lake. Xi, who grew up during the Spring and Autumn period (770-481 BC) in a small village in the state of Yue, washed gauze for a living.
She lived during a tumultuous period in Chinese history, and Xi played a crucial role in the kingdom’s downfall. King Fuchai, who ruled the state of Wu from 495-473 BC, had just conquered the state of Yue, and rival leaders believed they needed to distract him if they had any hope of defending themselves from his conquest. They chose Xi to “soften” King Fuchai and trained her in singing, dancing, and imperial etiquette.
After being introduced to King Fuchai, she quickly became his favourite consort, and the king became entirely preoccupied with her, ignoring his state duties. King Fuchai d.